Scared after a y'ear

stef58

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if I am to too parnoid about this stuff coming back. It has been a year this week that they found this stuff and it has brought up some very bad memories for me. I just wondering what everyone else does in this situation? i try and not think about it but doctors visits this last week were all good but very high anxiety for me.  I am not a anxious person but I seem to be obsessing about this stuff coming back. Any suggestions that are not drug related are appreciated. The less drugs the better. Dianne

Glad2BHere

Hi Dianne!  I can totally relate to how you are feeling.  My 1 year diagnosis date is May 20th.  I have 2 Herceptin treatments left and then I am on my own.  My Dr.  said  "high risk for Metastasis" in my last appointment which put me in a panic/tailspin. I was stage IIIB  I started focusing on diet and nutrition because it at least helps me feel I have some control over the situation.  Same behaviors= same results. I am choosing to let go and trust in my doctors.  Whatever happens will happen and I will get through it again if it does. I'm not going to let the anxiety take me over and take anymore time from my family. But, easier said than done. Hang in there!

Lisa   

blessed2bhere

Dianne-

I'm going thru kind of the same thing.  I had a clean mammogram in March just before my 1 year mark.  While the last year was rough, I got thru it relatively easy.  I felt positive and blessed.  However, since then, I've had some breast sensitivity and now I'm worried sick.  I fear the return of something and really was looking forward to moving on with my life and having my hair back.  The thought of more treatments really depresses me.  I'm interested in knowing how you are doing and what is helping you.

-deb 

butchboxer

Are you going to have, PET scans?  If you're high risk, I would insist on a baseline and subsequent scans at least for a while after your treatment stops.  Symptoms for mets may not occur until mets are advanced.  A PET scan can detect mets early giving them a chance to be treated before they're out of control.

Don't be on your own.  Get support for dealing after your treatment stops.  Use your cancer center for individual or group support.  It's really helpful in the aftermath of treatment.  Our concerns and stress are valid after treatment.  Treatment is not only to save our lives, but it becomes a security blanket.  When that blanket gets taken away, a whole new set of issues arise.  These forums are very helpful, but speaking to people in person is of tremendous value.

Jenniferz

Stef58,



A year is but an eye-blink in this scheme of things. You're not paranoid; this happens to all of us on different levels. While no one likes paying a visit to the dr., our visits are for scarey reasons, making it worse. I'm 4years out this past week, and while not at ease, my anxiety has droped a bit. . . It gets a bit easier with time.



If you are looking at what people do to stay healthy and stay away from drugs, the "alternatives' thread may be the place to look. There are alot of ladies there that are full of ideas, and they always have at least one that can help you. (shhhh-don't tell them, but I lurk alot, and grab ideas....)



Deep breathes, gnetle hugs, and here's to your continued good health!

carcharm

I'm HER 2+++ also and scared of the future. It will be a year in June. I must share that what your onc says can make or break your spirit. I've had 2 that just made me feel doom and gloom and now I have one that I feel was truly meant to be an onc. I left his office this week with such a positive attitude and I don't think I have ever felt that way since being dx. He is going to PET Scan me for peace of mind when my Herceptin is done. Any stage HER 2+++ is at high risk for reoccurance but Herceptin gives us hope of more time than every before. I wish you peace of mind...

Glad2BHere

I finsihed my last Herceptin treatment Thursday.  Yahh!  I have had some lower back pain for the last month and have been trying not to panic.  I saw my Oncologist before my treatment and he said he didn't think it was anything, but agreed to a PET scan for my peace of mind.  Our psycological well being is important too.  I won't be able to relax until I know everything is fine.  Then I will finally feel that this phase is over.

Lisa

Boo307

Dianne,

I worry a lot too.  I did have a big celebration when I hit my first anniverary and was NED (no evidence of disease).  My second anniversary this year was even bigger as the risk of recurrence with HER+ is greatest in the first 2-4 years from what I've been told. 

Sometimes I have a feeling that the passage of time may be the biggest help to enable me to put this behind me.  I am getting rather tired of obsessing about cancer.  I feel myself moving on somewhat.

Best wishes and sweet dreams.

Boo